Conformal power adapter for lighted artificial tree

ABSTRACT

A conformal power adapter for insertion into a lighted artificial tree and for converting power received from an external power source to a power usable by the lighted artificial tree. The power adapter includes an elongated housing including a first end, and a second end; a printed circuit board assembly including power-converting circuitry for converting an input electrical power to an output electrical power for use by a lighted artificial tree having a hollow trunk section, the printed circuit board assembly located substantially within the elongated housing; a power cord secured to the first end of the housing and in electrical connection with the power converting electronics, the power cord adapted to transmit power from an external power source to the power-converting circuitry. The elongated housing enclosing the printed circuit board assembly is sized to fit substantially within the hollow trunk portion of the lighted artificial tree.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to lighted artificial trees.More particularly, the present invention relates to power adapters fortransferring electrical energy to lighted artificial trees.

BACKGROUND

For the sake of convenience and safety, consumers often substituteartificial trees constructed of metal and plastic for natural evergreentrees when decorating homes, offices, and other spaces, especiallyduring the holidays. Such artificial trees generally include multipletree sections joined at the trunk and held erect by a floor-based treestand. Traditionally, consumers wrap strings of lights about theartificial tree to enhance the decorative quality of the tree display.As more and more decorative light strings are draped around the tree, itbecomes more and more difficult to provide power to the various lightstrings distributed throughout the tree.

To ease this burden to the consumer, manufacturers have created“pre-lit” artificial trees. Typical pre-lit trees include an artificialtree with multiple standard light strings distributed about the exteriorof the tree. Wires of the light string are clipped to branch structures,while plug ends dangle throughout the branches. Generally, multi-purposedecorative light strings are used in pre-lit trees, often limited to 50or 100 bulb assemblies, with a bladed power plug for insertion into theback outlet of another light string, or insertion into an alternatingcurrent (AC) power source.

Light-emitting diode (LED) lighting has gained in popularity as areplacement for traditional incandescent lighting, particularly onlighted artificial trees. LED lighting provides a source of illuminationfor a variety of lighting applications, including decorative lighting,automotive lighting, architectural lighting, and other suchapplications, like lighting for artificial trees. However, LED lightinggenerally operates at low voltage. Further, low voltage, direct current(DC), is safer in home applications. Thus, an adapter or power converteris typically utilized in LED applications. A suitable adapter canreceive the electrical energy from a 120V AC power source and output DCpower based on the particular lighting requirements of the LED light. Indoing so, the overall power rating is also reduced. Pre-lit treesutilizing LEDs have likewise required an adapter to relay the desiredpower to the LED light strings.

Conventional light strings utilizing DC-powered LEDs have traditionallyincorporated an adapter connected to an AC power cord. Thus, on apre-lit tree with multiple light strings, there are multiple plugs andadapters for the user to plug and subsequently unplug when assemblingand disassembling the tree. Multiple cords being placed around the treecreates an inconvenience and is an eyesore detracting from the beauty ofthe pre-lit tree

In other conventional pre-lit trees utilizing LEDs, a central adapterhas been incorporated into the wall plug. However, because of the weightand shape of the adapter, such adapters have a tendency to fall out ofvertical wall outlets. Additionally, because of the increased size ofwall-outlet-adapters, it can be difficult to use such plugs at anindividual wall outlet with other electrical plugs, or with a powerstrip with other electrical plugs.

In any case, an undesirable appearance results. In the case of anadapter as a discrete element in addition to the AC power cord, multiplecords and an unsightly adapter are visible near the tree. In the case ofa wall-outlet adapter, a bulky plug is often visible near the tree.

Thus, there is a need for an adapter for use with pre-lit artificialtrees that employs a single cord and sleek wall plug where the adapteris hidden from view, thus increasing the safety and desirable appearanceof the power assembly.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, the present invention comprises a conformal poweradapter for insertion into a lighted artificial tree and for convertingpower received from an external power source to a power usable by thelighted artificial tree. The power adapter comprises: an elongatedhousing including a first end, and a second end; a printed circuit boardassembly including power-converting circuitry for converting an inputelectrical power to an output electrical power for use by a lightedartificial tree having a hollow trunk section, the printed circuit boardassembly located substantially within the elongated housing; a powercord secured to the first end of the housing and in electricalconnection with the power converting electronics, the power cord adaptedto transmit power from an external power source to the power-convertingcircuitry. Further, the elongated housing enclosing the printed circuitboard assembly is sized to fit substantially within the hollow trunkportion of the lighted artificial tree.

In another embodiment, the present invention comprise a power adapterfor converting power received from an external power source to a powerusable by lighting elements of a lighted artificial tree. The poweradapter comprising: an elongated cylindrical housing for insertion intoa trunk of a lighted artificial tree, the housing including a bottomportion connectable to a top portion and defining a central axisextending from a first end of the housing to a second end of thehousing; an elongated printed circuit board assembly including a printedcircuit board and power-converting circuitry for converting analternating current (AC) input electrical power to a direct current (DC)output electrical power, the printed circuit board assembly secured tothe bottom portion of the cylindrical housing and generally alignedalong the central axis, the printed circuit board presenting a lengthand a width, the length being greater than the width; and a power cordsecured to the first end of the housing and in electrical connectionwith the power-converting electronics, the power cord including a powerplug in electrical connection with a pair of transmission wires, thepower cord for transmitting power from an external power source to thepower-converting circuitry.

In another embodiment, the present invention comprises an artificialtree. The artificial tree comprises: a first trunk portion having afirst end and defining a cavity defining an inside diameter; a tree baseincluding a trunk support portion, the trunk support portion coupled tothe first trunk portion; a power adapter for converting an electricalinput power received from an external power source to an electricaloutput power providing energy to lighting elements of a lightedartificial tree. The power adapter includes: a housing including anelongated body, a first end, and a second end, the housing defining anoutside diameter; a printed circuit board assembly includingpower-converting circuitry for converting the electrical input power tothe electrical output, the printed circuit board assembly locatedsubstantially within the elongated body of the housing; a power cordsecured to the first end of the housing and in electrical connectionwith the power converting electronics, the power cord transmitting powerfrom the external power source to the power-converting circuitry; and anoutput power connection adjacent the second end of the elongated housingand in electrical connection with the power-converting circuitry, theoutput power connection for supplying output power to the lightingelements of the lighted artificial tree. Further, the housing of thepower adapter is located substantially within the cavity of the firsttrunk portion or the trunk support portion or a combination thereof.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention comprises a method ofassembling an artificial tree. The method comprises: providing a treebase defining a hollow portion and configured to receive a generallycylindrical power adapter and an end of a trunk portion of an artificialtree; providing the generally cylindrical power adapter, the poweradapter including an elongated housing portion enclosingpower-converting electronics, a power plug, and power plug wiring, thepower plug wiring electrically connecting the power-convertingelectronics to the power plug; and inserting at least a portion of theelongated housing portion into the hollow portion of the tree base,while the power plug and a portion of the power plug wiring remainexternal to the tree base.

The present invention therefore substantially meets the aforementionedneeds of the industry. Embodiments of the present invention as describedabove provide a number of features and benefits. Safety of the tree,adapter, and surrounding area is increased. Because the adapter ishidden inside the trunk of the tree, critical wires connecting the wallplug to the adapter and the adapter to the main electrical bus are notexposed. Further, only a single cord is required to run from the wall tothe adapter in order to power the lighting elements of the tree. Theunnecessary tripping hazard of multiple cords being placed around thetree is therefore avoided. For some embodiments, air gaps exist withinthe adapter body between both the top section of the adapter housing andthe electrical components, as well as between the bottom section of theadapter housing and the board assembly. Such a configuration allows forgreater heat dissipation than other adapter housing shapes where theboard assembly is placed directly adjacent one of the walls of theadapter housing. Also, because the adapter of the present invention isnot of the wall-outlet adapter type, there is no risk of the adapter outof vertical wall outlets due to increased weight. Moreover, the wallplug can be used easily with other electrical plugs at wall outlets orwith power strips. Further, because of the adapter placement within boththe base and the first trunk portion within the base, the tree accordsgreater stability for the portion of the tree extending therefrom.

Another feature and advantage of the various embodiments of the presentinvention is that the appearance of the tree and the surrounding area ismore visually appealing. As mentioned, the adapter is hidden from view.Thus, no large electrical component near the tree distracts from thetree's appearance. Likewise, only a sleek wall plug is required to beplugged into an electrical outlet. No bulky-adapter distracts from theappearance of the tree. Further, in an embodiment, only a single cordruns from the wall outlet to the tree, thus minimizing the cords visiblearound the tree. All of these elements add to the appeal of theappearance of the tree and surrounding display.

Another feature and advantage of the various embodiments of the presentinvention is that the tree is more convenient to use. As mentioned, onlya single plug is required to be connected to an electrical outlet inorder to assemble the electrical elements of the tree, and therebyprovide power to the lighting elements. Likewise, only a single plug isrequired to be disconnected from an electrical outlet in order todisassemble the electrical elements of the tree.

The above summary of the invention is not intended to describe eachillustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present invention.The figures and the detailed description that follow more particularlyexemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of thefollowing detailed description of various embodiments of the inventionin connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a modular, lighted artificialtree, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a base of a modular, lightedartificial tree;

FIG. 3 is an exploded front view of the base of FIG. 2 with a poweradapter, base-trunk portion, and power clip prior to installation, and atree wire harness;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the base of FIG. 3 with a poweradapter, base-trunk portion, and power clip installed in the base;

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of a cylindrical power adapter accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the cylindrical power adapter ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the board and cover of the cylindricalpower adapter of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the board and cover of thecylindrical power adapter of FIG. 5.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternativeforms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in thedrawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to theparticular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is tocover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling withinthe spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a lighted artificial tree 100 ofthe present invention is depicted. Lighted artificial tree 100 includesbase portion 102, first lighted tree portion 104, second lighted treeportion 106, and third lighted tree portion 108. In some embodiments,tree 100 can include more lighted tree portions, such as a fourthlighted tree portion, or can include fewer lighted tree portions. Whentree 100 is assembled, as depicted in FIG. 1, lighted tree portions 104,106, and 108 are aligned along a common vertical axis A and held in agenerally vertical orientation by base portion 102.

Base portion 102 as depicted includes multiple legs 110 connected to acentral trunk support portion 112, and an outlet-engaging plug 117connected via input wiring 116. As depicted, trunk support portion 112can be generally cylindrical to receive and support first tree portion104. Although depicted as presenting a circular cross-section, trunksupport section 112 may present other cross-sectional shapes, such as asquare, hexagon, octagon, and so on. Base portion 102 can include anoptional base-trunk portion 114 extending upwardly from trunk supportportion 112 to form a portion of a trunk of tree 100. Base trunk portionmay be separate from, or integrated with, trunk support portion 112. Inother embodiments, base portion 102 can comprise other configurationscapable of supporting and aligning tree portions 104, 106, and 108 in asteady, upright manner. Such alternate embodiments include a baseportion having more or fewer legs 110, an integrated structure with anopening for receiving first lighted tree portion 104, and other suchembodiments. The wiring 116 for outlet-engaging plug 117 extends fromtrunk support portion 112 at the end opposite the end receiving firsttree portion 104. Plug 117 is adapted to be inserted into an electricaloutlet in order to power lighted tree portions 104, 106, and 108.

First lighted tree portion 104 includes first trunk portion 118, firsttrunk wire harness 139 (see FIG. 3) one or more first light strings 120,and multiple branches 122.

First trunk portion 118 comprises a generally cylindrical, hollowstructure configured to operably couple to base 102 at one end via trunksupport portion 112 or optionally, base-trunk portion 114 and tooperably couple to second lighted tree portion 106 at the opposite end.Multiple branches 122 are operably coupled along first trunk portion118.

In an embodiment, first trunk wire harness 139 may be wholly orpartially inside first trunk portion 118. First trunk wire harness 139may include two or more wires, each wiring including an inner conductiveportion and an outer insulative portion. In an embodiment, first trunkwire harness 139 includes only two wires, for providing power to alllight strings 120, and to other tree sections. In another embodiment,first trunk wire harness 139 includes more than two wires. In such anembodiment, multiple pairs of wires power and control selected lightstrings 120 and/or other light strings of second tree portion 106 andthird tree portion 108.

First light string 120 includes light string wiring 119 and a pluralityof lighting elements 121 and is affixed to one or more branches 122 oflighted tree portion 104. Light string wiring 119 is electricallyconnected to first trunk harness 139. Connection of light string wiring119 to wires of first trunk harness 139 may be accomplished by anynumber of known connection means, including by soldering, crimping, anduse of various electrical connection devices. Lighting elements 121 cancomprise incandescent bulbs, light-emitting diodes, a combinationthereof, or any other known types of light-emitting elements. Lightingelements 121 may be electrically connected in parallel, series, or acombination of series and parallel, to form a parallel-connected,series-connected, parallel-series connected, or series-parallelconnected first light string 120.

Similarly, second lighted tree portion 106 includes second trunk portion124, second trunk wire harness 123, one or more second light strings126, and multiple branches 122. Second trunk portion 124 comprises agenerally cylindrical, hollow structure configured to operably couple tofirst trunk portion 118 at one end and to operably couple to thirdlighted tree portion 108 at the opposite end. Multiple branches 122 areoperably coupled along second trunk portion 124. In an embodiment,second trunk wire harness 123 may be wholly or partially inside secondtrunk portion 124, and may include two or more wires. Second lightstring 126 includes light string wiring 125 and a plurality of lightingelements 127 and is affixed to one or more branches 122 of lighted treeportion 106. Second light string wiring 125 is electrically connected tosecond trunk harness 123. Lighting elements 127 can comprise the samelighting elements as described above with respect to lighting elements121.

Likewise, third lighted tree portion 108 includes third trunk portion128, third trunk wire harness 133, one or more third light strings 130,and multiple branches 122. Third trunk portion 128 comprises a generallycylindrical, hollow structure configured to operably couple to secondtrunk portion 118 at one end. Multiple branches 122 are operably coupledalong third trunk portion 128. In an embodiment, third trunk wireharness 133 may be wholly or partially inside third trunk portion 128,and may include two or more wires. Third light string 130 includes lightstring wiring 129 and a plurality of lighting elements 131 and isaffixed to one or more branches 122 of lighted tree portion 108. Thirdlight string wiring 129 is electrically connected to third trunk harness133. Lighting elements 131 can comprise the same lighting elements asdescribed above with respect to lighting elements 121 and lightingelements 127.

Referring to FIG. 2, a more detailed front perspective view anembodiment of base portion 102 is depicted. Assembly components that aidin the construction of base 102 and further, tree 100, comprise pin 132,bolt 134, and in some embodiments, bottom cap 136, and top cap 142.

As such, trunk support portion 112 further includes aperture 140 locatedon one side of trunk support portion 112, typically near the bottom oftrunk support portion 112, and an aperture located directly oppositeaperture 140 (not shown). Trunk support portion 112 may optionallyinclude a threaded nut 135 located on the aperture directly oppositeaperture 140. Trunk support portion 112 can have ridges on its innerwalls to create an opening at a point or points along trunk supportportion 112 that has a relative circumference less than that of theouter walls of base-trunk portion 114. This further supports base-trunkportion 114 when base-trunk portion 114 and trunk support portion 112are in an upright position. The ridges create a floor that base-trunkportion 114 can rest on within trunk support portion 112, in certainembodiments.

Bolt 134, as depicted, comprises a threaded bolt. Bolt 134 is insertableinto aperture 140 of trunk support portion 112 and receivable bythreaded nut 135 located on the aperture directly opposite aperture 140.Bolt 134, once secured, fixes base-trunk portion 114 in place. Otherbolts or securing rods can be utilized in other embodiments.

As depicted, optional top cap 142 acts as a stabilizing joint betweentrunk support portion 112 and base-trunk portion 114. Top cap 142 can bemade of metal or plastic similar to that used in other elements of tree100. Top cap 142 is substantially cylindrical and of a size such thatthe inner walls of top cap 142 make an interference fit with the outerwalls of trunk support portion 112 and still allowing for base-trunkportion 114 to be slidably insertable into trunk portion 112. Anoptional lip can engage the walls of trunk support portion 112. Top cap142 contains one or more apertures 138 for receiving pin 132. In certainembodiments, aperture 138 can be threaded.

Pin 132 is insertable into aperture 138 of top cap 142. In embodiments,pin 132 can be threaded such that corresponding threads on aperture 138allow for uniform insertion and receding through top cap 142. Afterinstallation of trunk support portion 112 in base-trunk portion 114, pin132 can be inserted in aperture 138 to apply pressure to the outer wallsof base-trunk portion 114 to further stabilize base-trunk portion 114and the tree portions extending therefrom.

Bottom cap 136 is operably coupleable to the end of trunk supportportion 112 distal the end of top cap 142. Bottom cap 136 can beclipable or snapable onto trunk support portion 112 and legs 110 tofurther define the cylinder of trunk support portion 112. Bottom cap 136can be made of metal or plastic similar to that used in top cap 142.Bottom cap 136 is substantially cylindrical and of a size such that theinner walls of top cap 142 make an interference fit with the outer wallsof trunk support portion 112.

Referring to FIG. 3, an exploded front perspective view of base 102 witha power adapter 144, base-trunk portion 114, and an optional trunk plug150, is depicted. Wiring harness 139 is also depicted. The adapterassembly in an embodiment may therefore include adapter 144,outlet-engaging plug 117 connected via input wiring 116, end plug 148connected via output wiring 146, and trunk plug 150.

Adapter 144 as depicted is substantially elongated and cylindrical toconform to the shape of a trunk of a lighted tree 100 so as to beinserted in the trunk. It will be understood that although adapter 144presents a substantially circular cross sectional shape, in otherembodiments, adapter 144 may present a square, hexagon, octagon, orother cross-sectional shape.

At a first end of adapter 144, input wiring 116 couples to power adapter144 such that power can be transmitted from an external power source,which may be an AC, or other, power source, to the adapter. At anopposite, second end of adapter 144, output wiring 146 couples toadapter 144 such that power can be transmitted from the adapter to otherportions of the tree, including wiring harness 139, or itssub-harnesses, wiring harnesses 119, 123, 133, light strings 120, 126,and 130, and any other electrical components of tree 100. Althoughdepicted as a wire pair comprising two wires, output wiring 146 maycomprise more than one pair of wires. In such an embodiment, each pairof wires of output wiring 146 may control selected light sets ascontrolled by a controller housed within power adapter 144.

Outlet-engaging plug 117, as depicted, comprises a bladed power plug forinsertion into an external power source. Outlet-engaging plug 117 issleek and compact, similar to other standard bladed power plugs.Outlet-engaging plug 117 can be colored similar to branches 122 or base102 so that it blends with the rest of the tree 100 display. Asmentioned above, adapter 144 and outlet-engaging plug 117 are coupledvia input wiring 116. Input wiring 116 can be of varying length, inembodiments, in order to accommodate varying lengths of tree 100 from anelectrical outlet.

End plug 148, as depicted, in an embodiment comprises a femaleelectrical plug for receiving a corresponding male plug of trunk plug150. In other embodiments, end plug 148 is male and the correspondingplug of trunk plug 150 is female. Regardless of the specific structure,end plug 148 functions to conveniently electrically connect poweradapter 144 to wiring harnesses, lights, and other electricallytransmissive or electrically power components of tree 100.

As mentioned above, adapter 144 and end plug 148 are coupled via outputwiring 146. Output wiring 146 can be of varying length, in embodiments,in order to accommodate varying lengths of base-trunk portion 114, trunkportions 118, 124, and 128, as appropriate, depending on the placementof adapter 144 within tree 100, as well as opposite input wiring 116 andits extension.

Trunk plug 150, when present, comprises an interconnect plug 152, ahousing 154, and a electrical connector 156. Interconnect plug 152 iscoupleable with end plug 148 to receive the transformed energy fromadapter 144. Interconnect plug 152 is adapted to couple to housing 154.Housing 154 provides a bulky structure for positioning and securingtrunk plug 150, and particularly electrical connector 156. As depicted,housing 154 is cylindrical such that the outer walls of housing 154 canmake flush contact with the inner walls of base-trunk portion 114, trunkportions 118, 124, and 128, as appropriate. In other embodiments,housing 154 may be sized such that a gap between the inner walls of basetrunk portion 114 is formed. Such a gap may allow air flow aroundportions of housing 114, thus aiding in cooling power adapter 144.Housing 154 encompasses electrical connector 156 such that electricalconnector 156 is supported and held in place by housing 154. In anembodiment, electrical connector 156 comprises a two-terminal electricalconnector, such as a positive terminal and a negative terminal. In onesuch embodiment, and as depicted, electrical terminal 156 comprises acoaxial electrical connector. In another embodiment, electricalconnector 156 may comprise one or more pins, each pin corresponding to awire of output wiring 146. In one such embodiment, output wiring 146includes 4 pairs of wires for powering four groups of light strings.

Thus, when properly installed, electrical connector 156 provides powerto first, second, and third lighted tree portions 104, 106, and 108.

Base-trunk portion 114 which as described above may be substantiallyhollow, or at least include a hollow portion, houses portions of adapterassembly 143, has a first end 145 coupleable with trunk support portion112, and a second end 147 opposite first end 145 coupleable with firsttrunk portion 118. Though not shown, base-trunk portion 114 can haveridges on its inner walls to create an opening at a point or pointsalong base-trunk portion 114 that has a relative circumference less thanthat of the outer walls of adapter 144 in order to support cylindricaladapter 144, similar to trunk support portion 112 supporting base-trunkportion 114 as described above. Such ridges can be located near firstend 145, and act as a support floor for cylindrical adapter 144. Inother embodiments, no such ridges are present.

Base-trunk portion 114 may further include an aperture 149 for receivingbolt 134. Aperture 149 can align with aperture 140 of trunk supportportion 112 so that bolt 134 is received by both aperture 149 andaperture 140. Base-trunk portion 114 can also include an aperture on theside opposite aperture 149 to be aligned with threaded nut 135.

Referring to FIG. 4, the adapter assembly 143 is installed in base-trunkportion 114 and subsequently in trunk support portion 112 to form anassembled base 102.

Trunk plug 150 is coupled to adapter 144 via the mating of interconnectplug 152 with end plug 148. The mating can be done subsequent to adapter144 and wiring 146 being partially inserted through base-trunk portion114, with entry in base-trunk portion 114 at first end 145, so that,once inserted, end plug 148 extends beyond the cylinder of base-trunkportion 114 outside of second end 147. Alternatively, the mating can bedone completely outside of base-trunk portion 114, wherebyoutlet-engaging plug 117 and adapter 144 are subsequently inserted intobase-trunk portion 114 at second end 147, leaving trunk plug 150similarly outside of second end 147. This inserting and mating istypically required when ridges on the inner walls of base-trunk portion114 are located near first end 145 to support adapter 144, as describedabove.

In yet another alternative, wires 146 extend beyond the opening of trunkportion 114, for electrical connection to other portions of tree 100,without the aid of trunk plug 150 and possibly without the use of plug148. As such, it will be understood that power adapter 144 may be usedin a variety of lighted trees with a variety of electrical wiringconfigurations.

Once adapter and wiring 146 are partially threaded in base-trunk portion114, trunk plug 150 is then inserted into base-trunk portion 114 atsecond end 147 in the order of interconnect plug 152 first and housing154 second. Trunk plug 150 is lowered inside base-trunk portion 114 suchthat it does not extend beyond the cylinder formed by base-trunk portion114. In other embodiments, trunk plug 150 may extend beyond the cylinderformed by base-trunk portion 114. The outer walls of housing 154 aresecured to the inner walls of base-trunk portion 114 so that trunk plug150 is secured in a fixed position to base-trunk portion 114.Interconnect plug 152, and thus, coupled wiring 146, extends towardfirst end 145 of base-trunk portion 114 within base-trunk portion 114.

The body of adapter 144 is then fully inserted into base-trunk portion114 at first end 145. Due to its conformal shape, which in an embodimentis cylindrical, adapter 144 is easily introduced into base-trunk portion114. In order to accommodate the insertion of adapter 144, wiring 146may be collapsed or folded inside base-trunk portion 114 as needed. Onceso inserted, trunk plug 150, wiring 146, and adapter 144 are fullyenclosed within base-trunk portion 114. As depicted, of adapter assembly143, only outlet-engaging plug 117 and all or a portion of input wiring116 remain outside base-trunk portion 114. In other embodiments, notincluding trunk plug 150, plug 148 and a portion of wiring 146 mayextend, or be extendable, beyond second end 147 of base-trunk portion114.

Base-trunk portion 114, having adapter 144, wiring 146, and trunk plug150 enclosed, is positioned above base 102 near top cap 142.Outlet-engaging plug 117 and wiring 116 are threaded through trunksupport portion 112. Bottom cap 136 can be coupled to trunk supportportion 112 during outlet-engaging plug 117 and wiring 116 insertion, inembodiments. In other embodiments, bottom cap 136 can be removed priorto outlet-engaging plug 117 and wiring 116 threading and coupled totrunk support portion 112 subsequent to the threading. In yet otherembodiments, rather than including a bottom cap 136, base portion 102employs other structures to keep adapter 144 within trunk portion 112.One example of such an alternate structure is one or more internal crossmembers spanning the inside diameter of trunk support portion 112.

Base-trunk portion 114 is slidably inserted in trunk support portion112, with first end 145 of base-trunk portion 114 entering trunk supportportion 112 first. Base-trunk portion 114 can then be rotated withintrunk support portion 112 so that aperture 140 of trunk support portion112 and aperture 149 of base-trunk portion 114 are aligned.

Once so aligned, bolt 134 is threaded through aperture 140 of trunksupport portion 112, aperture 149 of base-trunk portion 114, belowadapter 144, through the opposite side apertures of base-trunk portion114 and trunk support portion 112, and finally into threaded nut 135.Bolt 134 can be tightened into threaded nut 135 to fix base-trunkportion 114 and trunk support portion 112 in place. By the positioningof bolt 134, adapter 144 is further secured in place.

Pin 132 can likewise be threaded into top cap 142 via aperture 138 andagainst the outer wall of base-trunk portion 114 to further lockbase-trunk portion 114 in place.

Other assembly variations are considered, according to the specificembodiment of tree 100 and base 102. Further, adapter assembly 143 cansimilarly be installed in first trunk portion 118, second trunk portion124, or third trunk portion 128, in embodiments. Due to the conformal,elongated and sometimes cylindrical shape of adapter 144, adapter 144 iseasily adaptable to placement within other trunk portions.

Referring to FIGS. 5-8, conformal adapter 144 of adapter assembly 143 isfurther depicted. Adapter 144 comprises an outer housing 161 and aprinted circuit board assembly 162.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 5-6, adapter 144 is depicted with aclose-up view of outer housing 161. Outer housing 161 comprises agenerally cylindrical body having a first end 157 located on the end ofadapter 144 that is connected to outlet-engaging plug 117 via inputwiring 116, and a second end 159 located on the opposite end of adapter144, specifically, the end connected to end plug 148 via output wiring146. Outer housing 161 may be separated along its length to furthercomprise bottom housing portion 158 and top housing portion 160.

Bottom housing portion 158 in an embodiment, comprises substantially ahalf cylinder to form the bottom half of the walls of the cylinder ofadapter 144. Bottom housing portion 158 includes one or more apertures164 configured to receive fasteners for securing bottom housing portion160 to top housing portion 160. As depicted in FIG. 6, a first aperture164 is positioned near first end 157 of bottom housing portion 158, anda second aperture 164 is positioned near second end 159 of bottomhousing portion 158. Referring to FIG. 8, fastener guides 174 arelocated at each aperture 164 within the inner walls of bottom housingportion 158. Fastener guides have apertures surrounded by guide walls toaid in fastening bottom housing portion 160 with top housing portion158. At least one side tab 172 is positioned along the inner wall ofbottom housing portion 158 to align board assembly 162 within bottomhousing portion 158. Additional side tabs 172 can be positioned alongthe length of bottom housing portion 158 from first end 157 to secondend 159. Typically, side tabs 172 are configured in opposing pairs. Inother embodiments, a particular side tab 172 will not have acorresponding opposite side tab 172 located on the opposing side ofbottom housing portion 158. Bottom housing portion 158 can furthercomprise a lip or ridge along the border where bottom housing portion158 and top housing portion 160 meet to create a better friction fitwith top housing portion 160. At each lengthwise end of bottom housing158, apertures combine with corresponding bottom and top apertures onlengthwise ends of top housing portion 160 to allow for the entry ofinput wiring 116 and output wiring 146, respectively, into outer housing161.

Top housing portion 160 comprises substantially a half cylinder to formthe top half of the walls of the cylinder of adapter 144. Top housingportion 160 includes one or more fastener receiving posts 166 forreceiving fasteners that secure top housing portion 160 with bottomhousing portion 158. Fastener receiving posts 166 are positioned alongthe length of top housing portion 160 at the relative locations ofapertures 164 and fastener guides 174 of bottom housing portion 158 whentop housing portion 160 and bottom housing portion 158 are assembled, asdepicted in FIGS. 5-6. Therefore, each aperture 164, fastener guide 174,and fastener receiving post 166 share an axis. At least one side tab 176is positioned along the inner wall of top housing portion 160 at therelative location or locations of side tabs 172 of bottom housingportion 158 when top housing portion 160 and bottom housing portion 158are assembled. In some embodiments, corresponding to a similarconfiguration of side tabs 172, side tabs 176 are configured in opposingpairs. Side tabs 176 provide an opposing force for side tabs 172 so thatwhen outer housing 161 is fastened together, the stress of the fastenerspulling housing portions 158 and 160 together is distributed throughouttop housing portion 160 and bottom housing portion 158 via the contactof side tabs 172 with side tabs 176. Therefore, stress is relieved fromthe fastener axes. Top housing portion 160 can further comprise a lip orridge along the border where top housing portion 160 and bottom housingportion 158 meet to create a better friction fit with bottom housingportion 158. At each lengthwise end of top housing portion 160,apertures combine with corresponding apertures on lengthwise ends ofbottom housing portion 158 to allow for the entry of input wiring 116and output wiring 146, respectively, into outer housing 161.

Referring to FIG. 7, board assembly 162 comprises circuit board 163 andelectronic components 170. Electronic components 170 includepower-conditioning electronic circuitry and components. In anembodiment, electronic components 170 may also include controlelectronics.

Circuit board 163 in an embodiment is elongated and substantiallyrectangular and configured to fit lengthwise into outer housing 161.Circuit board 163 can be made of any suitable circuit board material.For example, a paper-based, fiberglass, plastic, ceramic, or metal corecan be utilized. Conducting layers can be made of thin copper foil.Insulating layers dielectric are typically laminated together with epoxyresin. Further, circuit board 163 can be coated with a solder mask. Inembodiments, circuit board 163 can comprise material suitable formounting electronics in through-hole construction or point-to-pointconstruction. One skilled in the art will appreciate that numerouscircuit board constructions are possible.

Circuit board 163 may include at least one aligning notch 168. Aligningnotch 168 comprises a void cut into the sidewall of circuit board 163.Aligning notch 168 is adapted to receive a portion of side tab 172. Inembodiments, corresponding aligning notches 168 are located on circuitboard 163 on opposing sidewall sides, in embodiments of bottom housingportion 158 where side tabs 172 are configured in opposing pairs alongthe inner walls of bottom housing portion 158. Aligning notches 168 arepositioned along circuit board 163 at the relative location of side tabs172 when circuit board 163 is seated within bottom housing portion 158.Thus, in order for circuit board 163 to seat properly within bottomhousing portion 158, every aligning notch 168 must correspond to everyside tab 172, and vice versa, in both size and location, such that sidetab 172 is receivable within its corresponding aligning notch 168.Aligning notches 168 can be staggered along circuit board 163 sidewallto create a unique pattern. Accordingly, side tabs 172 can be staggeredin the same pattern along the inner walls of bottom housing portion 158so that circuit board 163 can only seat within bottom housing portion158 in one way. Such a configuration of side tabs 172 and aligningnotches 168 ensures that circuit board 163 is aligned properly withinouter housing 161, which enables not only the proper function of adapter144, but also ease of manufacturability. Further, added stability iscreated by the interlocking of side tabs 172 with aligning notches 168.Circuit board 163 is effectively locked in place once it is seatedwithin bottom housing portion 158, which further aids in manufacturing.

Electronic components 170 comprise a plurality of electronic componentspopulated on circuit board 163. Power conditioning electronic circuitryand componetry of electronic components 170 are configured to convertenergy from a type useful in a standard wall circuit to one useful inpowering the respective light strings of tree 100.

Electronic components 170 may include an electrical transformer forreducing incoming voltage. Electronic components 170 may also includepower-conditioning components for rectifying AC power to DC, such as afull or half wave rectifier, including capacitors, as understood bythose skilled in the art. In an embodiment, electronics 170 of adapter144 converts incoming 120 VAC to 3VDC. In other embodiments, adapter 144may convert 110-120 VAC to 12VAC, 12VDC, 9VDC, and so on. Those skilledin the art will appreciate that a number of similar combinations arepossible. One skilled in the art will readily understand the componentsrequired. Electronics 170 are laid out on elongated circuit board 163such that the components can be contained within outer housing 161.

In an embodiment, electronic components 170 also include controlelectronics, such that conformal power adapter 144 comprises a poweradapter and controller combination. Known controllers as used indecorative lighting typically are housed in a dedicated enclosure. Byeliminating the need for separate, dedicate, and sometimes multiple,control boxes or housings that may be visible to a user, the aestheticsof lighted tree 100 may be further improved.

Such control electronics may comprise a processor, such as amicroprocessor, microcontroller, and other such control electronics.Control electronics may also comprise memory in electrical communicationwith the processor for storing instructions for operating or controllinggroups of light strings, individual light strings, groups of lightingelements or individual lighting elements

The control electronics may be configured to selectively control powerto groupings of light strings 120, 126, and 130. In one such embodiment,a processor controls distribution of power to light strings 120, 126,and 130, by grouping all light strings 120 together for power andcontrol, all light strings 126 together and all light strings 130together. In this embodiment, light strings 120 may be poweredindependent of light strings 126 and 130; light strings 126 poweredindependently of light strings 120 and 130, and light strings 130independent of 120 and 126. For example, the control electronics maycause light strings 120 to flash on and off, while light strings 126 and130 are constantly powered.

In assembling adapter 144, board assembly 162, having input wiring 116and output wiring 146 coupled to circuit board 163 at the appropriaterespective ends, is positioned above bottom housing portion 158 suchthat the pattern of aligning notches 168 matches the pattern of sidetabs 172. As described above, in an embodiment, input wiring 116comprises a pair of power-carrying wires, while output wiring 146comprises at least one pair of power-carrying wires. If power adapter144 comprises additional control electronics, output wiring may includemore than two wires.

Circuit board 163 is lowered into bottom housing portion 158 such thataligning notches 168 receive side tabs 172. Circuit board 163 isproperly seated intermediate bottom housing portion 158 such that thesidewalls of circuit board 163 rest against the walls of bottom housingportion 158 and side tabs 172 are mated with aligning notches 168. Tophousing portion 160 is positioned above bottom housing portion 158 suchthat side tabs 176 match the pattern of side tabs 172. Top housingportion 160 is lowered onto bottom housing portion 158 until the lip orridge of top housing portion 160 meets the corresponding lip or ridge ofbottom housing portion 158. Fasteners, for example, screws, are threadedthrough apertures 164, through fastener guides 174, and into fastenerreceiving posts 166 to mate bottom housing portion 158 with top housingportion 160. Adapter 144 is then fully assembled and ready for assemblyinto tree 100 as described above.

Referring to FIG. 8, a cross-sectional view of adapter 144 isillustrated. As depicted, circuit board 163 is seated intermediatebottom housing portion 158, as secured by the sidewalls of circuit board163 resting against the inner walls of bottom housing portion 158 andthe interlocking of side tabs 172 with aligning notches 168. Because ofthe positioning of circuit board 163 relative to bottom housing portion158, an air gap exists between circuit board 163 and bottom housingportion 158, labeled gap A. Additionally, a second air gap, labeled gapB, exists between circuit board 163 and top housing portion 160.

Heat is generated by adapter electronics 170 when adapter 144 is inoperation. Gaps A and B act to dissipate that heat to ensure thecontinued safe operation of adapter 144. The design of outer housing 161and placement of circuit board 163 within outer housing 161 facilitatesheat dissipation greater than that of traditional adapters. Traditionaladapter housings typically allow heat dissipation via any air gap thatmay encompass the electronics on the populated side of the circuitboard. Gap B provides for that dissipation. However, additional heatdissipation is allowed through gap A on the unpopulated side of circuitboard 163 because the walls of bottom housing portion 158 are notimmediately adjacent circuit board 163. Thus, adapter 144 provides amore effective, safer method of heat dissipation than traditionaladapters.

Power adapter 144 may further dissipate heat through conduction ofhousing 161 to base trunk portion 114, which acts as a heat sink. Suchconduction is not possible with known wall-plug-style power adapters,such that power adapter 144 provides improved heat-dissipatingcharacteristics over the prior art.

Various embodiments of systems, devices and methods have been describedherein. These embodiments are given only by way of example and are notintended to limit the scope of the invention. It should be appreciated,moreover, that the various features of the embodiments that have beendescribed may be combined in various ways to produce numerous additionalembodiments. Moreover, while various materials, dimensions, shapes,configurations and locations, etc. have been described for use withdisclosed embodiments, others besides those disclosed may be utilizedwithout exceeding the scope of the invention.

Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that theinvention may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individualembodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are notmeant to be an exhaustive presentation of the ways in which the variousfeatures of the invention may be combined. Accordingly, the embodimentsare not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, theinvention may comprise a combination of different individual featuresselected from different individual embodiments, as understood by personsof ordinary skill in the art.

Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such thatno subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicitdisclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above isfurther limited such that no claims included in the documents areincorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference ofdocuments above is yet further limited such that any definitionsprovided in the documents are not incorporated by reference hereinunless expressly included herein.

For purposes of interpreting the claims for the present invention, it isexpressly intended that the provisions of Section 112, sixth paragraphof 35 U.S.C. are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for”or “step for” are recited in a claim.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A conformal power adapter for insertioninto a lighted artificial tree and for converting power received from anexternal power source to a power usable by the lighted artificial tree,comprising: an elongated housing including a first end, and a secondend; a printed circuit board assembly including power-convertingcircuitry for converting an input electrical power to an outputelectrical power for use by a lighted artificial tree having a hollowtrunk section, the printed circuit board assembly located substantiallywithin the elongated housing; a power cord secured to the first end ofthe housing and in electrical connection with the power convertingelectronics, the power cord adapted to transmit power from an externalpower source to the power-converting circuitry; wherein the elongatedhousing enclosing the printed circuit board assembly is sized to fitsubstantially within the hollow trunk portion of the lighted artificialtree.
 2. The power adapter of claim 1, further comprising an outputpower wiring harness secured to the second end of the housing and inelectrical connection with the power-converting circuitry, the outputpower wiring harness for supplying output power to the lightedartificial tree.
 3. The power adapter of claim 1, wherein the elongatedbody presents a cylindrical shape.
 4. The power adapter of claim 3,wherein the elongated body further presents a circular cross-section. 5.The power adapter of claim 1, wherein the elongated body defines an airgap above the printed circuit board assembly and an air gap below theprinted circuit board assembly.
 6. The power adapter of claim 1, whereinthe housing further comprises a plurality of supports located onelongated sides of the housing that are adapted to hold the boardassembly.
 7. The power adapter of claim 1, wherein the elongated housingcomprises a first housing portion and a second housing portion, each ofthe first and second housing portions comprising half-cylinders.
 8. Thepower adapter of claim 1, wherein the power-converting circuitry isconfigured to convert an alternating current (AC) input power to adirect current (DC) output power.
 9. The power adapter of claim 1,wherein the DC output power is 3VDC.
 10. The power adapter of claim 1,wherein the elongated body presents a cylindrical shape for insertioninto the hollow trunk portion which comprises a tree base.
 11. The poweradapter of claim 1, further comprising control electronics forcontrolling distribution of the output electrical power.
 12. The poweradapter of claim 11, further comprising output wiring that includes morethan two wires for controlling more than one group of lighting stringsor lighting elements.
 13. An artificial tree, comprising: a first trunkportion having a first end and defining a cavity defining an insidediameter; a tree base including a trunk support portion, the trunksupport portion coupled to the first trunk portion; a power adapter forconverting an electrical input power received from an external powersource to an electrical output power providing energy to lightingelements of a lighted artificial tree, the power adapter including: ahousing including an elongated body, a first end, and a second end, thehousing defining an outside diameter; a printed circuit board assemblyincluding power-converting circuitry for converting the electrical inputpower to the electrical output, the printed circuit board assemblylocated substantially within the elongated body of the housing; a powercord secured to the first end of the housing and in electricalconnection with the power converting electronics, the power cordtransmitting power from the external power source to thepower-converting circuitry; an output power connection adjacent thesecond end of the elongated housing and in electrical connection withthe power-converting circuitry, the output power connection forsupplying output power to the lighting elements of the lightedartificial tree; wherein the housing of the power adapter is locatedsubstantially within the cavity of the first trunk portion or the trunksupport portion or a combination thereof.
 14. The artificial tree ofclaim 13, wherein the first end of the first trunk portion is insertableinto the trunk support portion of the tree base.
 15. The artificial treeof claim 13, wherein the first trunk portion is integral to the trunksupport portion.
 16. The artificial tree of claim 13 wherein theelongated body of the adapter comprises a substantially cylindricalshape and the first trunk portion comprises a substantially cylindricalshape.
 17. The artificial tree of claim 13 further comprising a secondtrunk portion coupleable to a second end of the first trunk portion. 18.The artificial tree of claim 13 further comprising a decorative lightstring including a plurality of lighting elements in electricalcommunication with the power adapter.
 19. The artificial tree of claim13, wherein the outside diameter of the housing is substantially equalto the inside diameter of the first trunk portion to form a friction fitbetween the housing and the first trunk portion.
 20. The artificial treeof claim 13, wherein the outside diameter of the housing is less thanthe inside diameter of the first trunk portion such that a gap existsbetween an outside wall of the housing and an inside wall of the firsttrunk portion.
 21. The artificial tree of claim 13, wherein at least aportion of the housing of the power adapter is directly or indirectly inconductive contact with a portion of the base or the first trunk portionsuch that heat from the power adapter is conducted through the housingand to the base or the first trunk portion.
 22. The artificial tree ofclaim 13, further comprising a tree wiring harness in electricalcommunication with the power adapter and a plurality of lightingelements.
 23. A power adapter for converting power received from anexternal power source to a power usable by lighting elements of alighted artificial tree, comprising: an elongated cylindrical housingfor insertion into a trunk of a lighted artificial tree, the housingincluding a bottom portion connectable to a top portion and defining acentral axis extending from a first end of the housing to a second endof the housing; an elongated printed circuit board assembly including aprinted circuit board and power-converting circuitry for converting analternating current (AC) input electrical power to a direct current (DC)output electrical power, the printed circuit board assembly secured tothe bottom portion of the cylindrical housing and generally alignedalong the central axis, the printed circuit board presenting a lengthand a width, the length being greater than the width; and a power cordsecured to the first end of the housing and in electrical connectionwith the power-converting electronics, the power cord including a powerplug in electrical connection with a pair of transmission wires, thepower cord for transmitting power from an external power source to thepower-converting circuitry.
 24. The power adapter of claim 23, furthercomprising an output wiring harness that includes a pair of outputtransmission wires and an end plug.
 25. The power adapter of claim 23,wherein the printed circuit board forms a plane substantially parallelto, and below, a plane formed by an opening of the bottom portionreceiving the printed circuit board.
 26. The power adapter of claim 23,wherein the housing defines a first gap between a bottom of the printedcircuit board and an inside wall of the bottom portion of the housing,and a second gap between the power-converting circuitry and an insidewall of the top portion of the housing.
 27. A method of assembling anartificial tree, comprising: providing a tree base defining a hollowportion and configured to receive a generally cylindrical power adapterand an end of a trunk portion of an artificial tree; providing thegenerally cylindrical power adapter, the power adapter including anelongated housing portion enclosing power-converting electronics, apower plug, and power plug wiring, the power plug wiring electricallyconnecting the power-converting electronics to the power plug; andinserting at least a portion of the elongated housing portion into thehollow portion of the tree base, while the power plug and a portion ofthe power plug wiring remain external to the tree base.
 28. A poweradapter for converting power received from an external power source to apower usable by lighting elements of a lighted artificial tree and forselectively controlling the lighting elements, the power adaptercomprising: an elongated cylindrical housing for insertion into a trunkof a lighted artificial tree; an elongated printed circuit boardassembly including a printed circuit board, power-converting circuitryfor converting an alternating current (AC) input electrical power to adirect current (DC) output electrical power, and control circuitry incommunication with the power-converting circuitry and for controllingthe distribution of the output electrical power, the printed circuitboard assembly secured to the housing and generally aligned along thecentral axis, the printed circuit board presenting a length and a width,the length being greater than the width; and a power cord secured to thefirst end of the housing and in electrical connection with thepower-converting electronics, the power cord including a power plug inelectrical connection with a pair of transmission wires, the power cordfor transmitting power from an external power source to thepower-converting circuitry.
 29. The power adapter of claim 28, whereinthe control circuitry includes a processor, the processor configured tocontrol distribution of power to a first group of lighting elements andto a second group of lighting elements, the first group of lightingelements controlled independently of the second group of lightingelements.
 30. The power adapter of claim 29, wherein the processor isfurther conjured to power on the first group of lighting elements whenthe second group of lighting elements is powered off.